Football news  

Mourinho would return for United job

Inter coach optimistic that Sir Alex Ferguson will recommend him as his successor at Old Trafford when he retires

• Mourinho wants to go ‘home’ to England

• Mourinho plays down Inter’s prospects

Van Persie ‘out for months’

Arsenal forward is taken off on a stretcher with an injury to his right leg during Holland’s friendly against Italy

• Spain’s Alonso has last word

• Football shorts: Beckham books final farewell

Anelka's lucky strike stuns Ireland

Republic of Ireland 0 France 1: long range effort takes deflection of Sean St Ledger to put Irish on verge of elimination

• Ireland: no regrets over international withdrawal

• France heading for the playoff route

Ramsey inspires Wales to easy win

Wales 3 Scotland 0: George Burley under fire from visiting supporters after Arsenal youngster dazzles at Cardiff City Stadium

• Enke: football's real life tragedy

• Hodgson: truly world class leadership

Rugby news  

Robinson gets off to a good start

Scotland 23 Fiji 10: Johnnie Beattie and Graeme Morrison touch down to give Scots a win in their first autumn international

• Scotland must match Robinson’s expectations

• Players respond well to on-field leaders plan

All Blacks given tough time in Italy

Italy 6 New Zealand 20: Italians frustrate New Zealand but ultimately fall to defeat in front of record rugby crowd at the San Siro

• Rugby internationals - how they happened

• Late Banahan try rescues dull England

Smit: a man of stature

It’s a shame the Lions snubbed a post-match drinks invitation from the Springboks’ successful and inspired captain

Bowe drawn to hit new targets

The Ospreys wing may now be in full flight as a creator and a scorer of tries, but he still retains his humility

Cricket news  

Davies: sending Prior a warning

Surrey wicketkeeper, who is about to start his first full England tour, has already set his sights on his friend’s Test place

• Morgan stars before rain comes to England's aid

• England's win: as it happened

Ashes are not 'crown jewels' yet, says Clarke

Chairman of the ECB is confident that recommendation for Ashes be returned to free-to-air television can be overturned

• Football joins Ashes on crown jewels list

• How sport’s crown jewels will be affected

Flintoff: from Ashes hero to nil by mouth

The England all-rounder talks candidly on pedalos, drinking, his latest rehabilitation and his future in one-day cricket

Morgan stars before rain comes to England's aid

South Africa v England: Touring team win by one run under Duckworth-Lewis as heavy rain halts first Twenty20 match

More sport news  

Djokovic going up in the world

Rafael Nadal gets a tennis lesson as the in-form Serb gathers momentum before the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals

• Subdued Nadal downed by Djokovic

• Murray hoping for Nadal hard labour

Battling England are swamped

England 16 Australia 46: loss of Michael Shenton triggers series of blistering tries as Kangaroos seize Four Nations

• England keep the faith for Australia showdown

• Young talent given chance to upset Australia

Phelps loses out in world cup 'duel'

Swimming: The 14-times Olympic champion comes 12th in 200m freestyle qualifying after refusing to wear high-tech bodysuits

Brundle: Button still in the driving seat

The world champion is entitled to cash in, but he should consider carefully which team will give him the faster car

Racing and Betting News  

Tranquil Sea proves class apart

Irish raider scoops showpiece race at Prestbury Park, while Master Minded, pictured, returns to action on Sunday

Leading lady left searching for answers

Venetia Williams tells Alan Lee that she has yet to benefit from winning the Grand National with Mon Mome at Aintree in April

Sam Twiston-Davies proves razor sharp

Young jockey misses school to ride his first Cheltenham winner, while Garde Champetre clicks again